10 Artists Who Have Been Banned From Performing

Lady Gaga, Madonna and now Katy Perry have all been facing problems while performing abroad within the past few weeks. Turns out they’re not the only artists who have been banned from entering certain countries. Here’s a list of 10 artists who have had similar issues.

1. Madonna

Just last month on her MDNA Tour Madonna found herself in controversy after flashing an audience in Turkey. This isn’t her first time though. Turns out the singer has been banned in Italy and Egypt. In 1990 the Material Girl was banned after she released her “Like a Prayer” video. The Vatican was less than pleased of her religious imagery portrayed in the clip. A decade later Egypt refused to allow the singer into the country because the government questioned her strong Kabbalah beliefs.

2. Lady Gaga

In May Lady Gaga was forced to cancel her performance in Indonesia after several Islamic groups shared their dislike for Mother Monster. Called a “vulgar singer who wears only panties and a bra when she sings” by head of Islamic Defender Front (FPI) Salim Alatas, others threatened the singer’s life if she were to step foot into the country.

3. Katy Perry

Katy Perry’s troubles come on right on the heels of Lady Gaga and Madonna. Possibly facing an indecency charge after a concert in India, the performer is being ostracized for bringing a cricket player onstage to teach her the proper technique for swinging a bat. MTV News reports that a lawyer in attendance is claiming the show was “obscene and lascivious,” and “distracted students who were writing exams at the time.” While Katy’s not banned from India just yet, we’re thinking it will be a while before she visits the country again.

4. Amy Winehouse

After her trouble with the law in 2008 and 2009, namely assault charges, the British songstress was denied a visa and access into the U.S. As a result, Amy Winehouse missed the Grammys where she won five awards and a Coachella main stage performance.

5. Miley Cyrus

While the former Disney star is now closer to embarking the adult married lifestyle, in 2009 her childish jokes got her in trouble. After she posted a “slanted eye” video where she imitated her Asian friend, China banned the singer from entering and performing.

6. Bjork

In addition to sharing it’s dislike with Miley Cyrus, China previously added Bjork to it’s “do not enter” list. Back in 2008 Bjork ended her set with “Declare Independence” while yelling “‘Tibet! Tibet!’ in protest to China’s 58-year occupation of the territory,” Billboard reports.

7. Jay-Z

It seems China just doesn’t like many artists as Jay-Z was also banned from the country because of his “vulgar lyrics.”

8. Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg has been banned more than any other artist. In 2006 after his entourage started a riot at London’s Heathrow airport they received a lifetime ban from British Airways which later resulted in a ban in the U.K. in 2007. That same year his visa to Australia was also denied entry.

9. Chris Brown

After the assault of Rihanna in 2009, England refused Chris Brown entry into their country. Due to host a mini-tour, Brown had to cancel all his tour dates once denied a visa.

10. Beyonce

It’s hard to imagine Beyonce being banned from any country. Crowned the most beautiful woman in the world this year by People, Beyonce told the magazine she owes the honor to her daughter Blue Ivy. But, in 2009 Beyonce saw backlash from Malaysia from her beauty. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party called for a concert cancelation because it would promote “Western sexy performances.” This wasn’t the only instance the singer faced hurdles. Back in 2007 Bey called off a show over the country’s dress code.